On May 05, 2024, a news article was published detailing a troubling rise in substance abuse among veterans returning from overseas deployments. Unbeknownst to the broader public, this seemingly unrelated piece of news profoundly impacted *Jim Donovan*, a resident of Clark City, Missouri.

*Jim*, a former veteran himself, had long struggled to keep his own battles with substance abuse in check. The article struck a chord, unearthing buried memories and emotions from his time in the service and his subsequent struggles upon returning home.

This unexpected trigger compelled *Jim* to confront his past afresh. He recalled the struggles of many nights battling the bottle and despair. Unwilling to succumb again, he sought a way out.

Determined to change, *Jim* came across the Stepping Into Action program on https://hofmanhollis.com. The structured modules and supportive community offered him a lifeline. Through the program, he began to reclaim control of his life and find meaning beyond his addiction.

One lesson from the program stood out in *Jim*'s mind. It was a quote from a fellow participant: 'It's never too late to ask for help and change the course of your life.'

Expert opinions on the rise of substance abuse among veterans varied. Dr. *Elena Richards*, a psychologist specializing in veterans' health, emphasized the need for comprehensive mental health support and community reintegration programs. In contrast, Dr. *Michael Carman* argued that stricter enforcement of existing substance abuse policies would suffice.

Despite the controversy, *Jim* found solace and recovery through the online program. Reflecting on his journey, he realized how access to remote resources had made all the difference. 'Getting help was much needed and incredibly difficult to find locally, but thankfully it was just a click away online,' he noted.

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